The hubs enable multiple concurrent outside broadcasts (OBs) and will be the world’s largest networked broadcast centers, according to NEP. Based on an internet protocol (IP) core, the hubs enable remote, distributed production, with cameras and microphones located at the venue, while most of the production team are at the hubs. Designed for large multi-camera sports broadcasts, they will accommodate Australia’s most-followed football codes, Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Rules (AFL), as well as A-League football (soccer) and other popular sports from 29 venues around the country.

The rollout features software defined networking (SDN) within Lawo’s V matrix platform, providing all-IP routing, processing and multi-viewer functionality. Then Lawo’s Virtual Studio Manager (VSM) and ‘The WALL’ multi-viewer control will provide over-arching orchestration and control, as well as a common user interface for all operators.

Along with the new software-defined V matrix platform, NEP has also committed to the mc296 audio console for six control rooms and four mc256 audio consoles for the IP–based outside broadcast trucks. Further, the NEP-Lawo deal encompasses audio and IP processing equipment for the four new outside broadcast (OB) trucks and the upgrade of seven trucks in NEP’s existing OB fleet.

“We were looking for a flexible and virtualized environment based on IP that would be agile enough for all our sporting codes, scalable for any size project, and integrate well with audio and communications – arguably the most complicated part of what we are trying to achieve,” said NEP Australia’s Director of Technology, Marc Segar.

NEP’s Sydney and Melbourne production hubs are under construction and will be operational for the start of the AFL and NRL seasons in March 2018.